National Museum in New Orleans is hiring a Director of Exhibits

Stephen Leitz LLC is looking for a Director of Exhibits to provide strategic leadership for the National Museum's exhibit portfolio. The role is responsible for the maintenance and planned upgrade of permanent exhibits, the long-term planning and daily management of the Traveling Exhibit Program, and the design, fabrication, and installation of special exhibits.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support the professional development of the Exhibits Department staff, assigned interns, and volunteers.
• Coordinate emergency repair, preventive maintenance, and life-cycle planning for the Museum's permanent exhibits with internal departments and external vendors.
• Play a key role in the planning, production, and coordination of special and temporary exhibits, with emphasis on exhibit design, fabrication, and installation.
• Develop and manage Exhibit Department budgets, contracts, project schedules, and vendor relationships.
• Expand the Traveling Exhibit Program to establish the Museum as a leading source for compelling exhibits for museums nationwide.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to pursue funding from grants, sponsors, and donors for exhibits and related programs.
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the VP of Education and Access.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, History, Museum Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years experience in exhibit design, fabrication, and installation.
• Proven leadership and administrative management experience, including personnel, project, and budget management.
• Demonstrated skill with design and drafting software such as: AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Sketchup, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Willingness to travel and work outside of normal Museum operating hours as needed.
• Ability to meet physical demands: lift, carry, and place supplies up to 50 pounds without assistance, climb ladders up to 12 feet, and safely operate power tools.

Nice to Have

• Master's degree preferred.

Technical Stack

• AutoCAD
• Vectorworks
• Sketchup
• Adobe InDesign
• Photoshop
• Illustrator

Team & Environment

You will directly supervise the Exhibits Department staff and manage vendors, fabricators, installers, hired labor, and volunteers. This role reports to the Vice President of Education and Access.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position based in New Orleans.

Stephen Leitz LLC is an equal opportunity employer.